A practical, step-by-step relocation hub — the checklists, paperwork and local know-how that turn an overwhelming international move into a series of simple tasks. From your first week on the ground to settling in with family, pets and belongings.
Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn (KBank) and SCB are the most expat-friendly. You'll generally need your passport, a long-stay visa (tourists are often refused), and sometimes a work permit, a letter from your condo/employer, or proof of address. Bring patience — requirements vary by branch. Once open, the mobile apps (especially KBank's K PLUS and SCB Easy) are excellent and PromptPay makes local transfers instant and free.
Thailand has fast, cheap mobile data. Grab a tourist SIM at the airport to start, then switch to a monthly plan once settled. Home fibre from AIS, True or 3BB is inexpensive (often ฿500–฿900/month) and installed quickly. LINE is the default messaging app for everything from friends to landlords to food orders — set it up first.
If you stay long-term, you must report your address to Immigration every 90 days (online, by post, or in person — the LTR visa relaxes this to yearly). Separately, the TM30 notifies Immigration of where you live within 24 hours of moving in; your landlord or condo juristic office usually files it, but confirm — you'll need proof for visa extensions.
You can drive short-term on an International Driving Permit, but for living here get a Thai licence. The process at the Department of Land Transport needs your passport, visa, a residence certificate (from Immigration or your embassy), a medical certificate (quick and cheap from any clinic), and a short orientation/test. A Thai licence also gets you locals' pricing at many attractions.
Bangkok has one of Asia's deepest benches of international schools — British, American, IB, Japanese and bilingual curricula across Sukhumvit, Sathorn and the suburbs. Apply early; the best schools have waitlists. Many expat families cluster near their chosen school, so pick the school first, then the neighbourhood.
Thailand allows cats and dogs with the right paperwork: a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, a blood titer test for some origin countries, and an import permit from the Department of Livestock Development. Use a specialist pet-relocation agent — the rules are exacting and a mistake means quarantine. Many condos are pet-friendly, but always confirm the building's pet policy before signing.
Decide early whether to ship or buy fresh — Thailand is well-stocked and furniture is cheap, so many expats arrive light. If you do ship, use an international mover experienced with Thai customs; personal effects can often enter duty-free under certain visa categories, but the paperwork and timing matter. Air-freight a small 'essentials' box and sea-freight the rest.
Thailand's private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Samitivej, BNH, Bangkok Hospital) are world-class and far cheaper than Western care, with English-speaking specialists. Comprehensive private health insurance is affordable and is mandatory for some visas (LTR, O-A). Arrange cover before you arrive, and keep a digital copy of your policy and key documents.
Cost of living, neighbourhoods, visas and pace vary city to city. Read our honest, unbiased living guides for Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Hua Hin and Krabi — what it's really like to settle in, with no paid placement.
Visa routes, tax surprises, banking and shipping all change depending on where you're coming from. Our country relocation guides cut to what actually matters for your nationality — starting with the USA.
Try the Thailand Life Planner — answer a few questions and get a personalised plan: best-fit Bangkok areas, likely visa routes and an estimated monthly budget, in 60 seconds.
Pets are family. Our pet relocation guides walk through the full Thailand import process — microchip, rabies, titer, the DLD permit, airlines and arrival — with country-by-country steps for the US, UK, Australia and more.
HR and relocation managers — our corporate relocation & employee housing guide covers budgeting housing by seniority, picking the right visa path, serviced vs leased homes, and a week-by-week HR timeline.
Find your neighbourhood and a home before you arrive.
General guidance only; immigration, customs and licensing rules change — verify current requirements with official Thai government sources or a licensed relocation specialist.